Gina Johnson
Cannabinoids are a group of lipid metabolites that are regulatory molecules binding mainly to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2). They have been increasingly found to play a part in sleep modulation, with many people using cannabis as a sleep aid. While the use of cannabis for sleep-related problems is on the rise, little is known about the specific cannabinoids that are effective. THC and CBD are the most widely studied cannabinoids, with THC being the most sought-after cannabinoid for sleep. CBN is another cannabinoid that has been introduced as a potential sleep aid. However, additional research is needed to understand the effects of cannabinoids on sleep.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cannabinoids that promote sleep | THC, CBD, CBN |
| How cannabinoids promote sleep | By interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, cannabinoids increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain's arousal system |
| Cannabis strains that promote sleep | Indica |
| Cannabis administration methods | Smoking, vaping, THC-infused drinks, edibles, sublingual |
| Cannabis use for sleep disorders | Insomnia, sleep disordered breathing, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy, parasomnias, sleep apnea |
| Cannabis use for nightmares | PTSD-related nightmares |
| Side effects | Long-term use may have adverse effects on the brain, including learning, memory, and focus. May cause irregular sleep in adolescents and children. |
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What You'll Learn
CBN as a sleep aid
Cannabinol, or CBN, is one of many cannabinoids found in the Cannabis sativa plant. CBN is formed as the plant ages and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) begins to break down. While THC and cannabidiol (CBD) are more well-known cannabinoids, companies are gradually introducing CBN as a potential sleep aid. CBN is available in various forms, such as tinctures, capsules, or gummies, and can be combined with other sleep aids like melatonin.
CBN is being explored as a sleep aid due to its potential sleep-promoting effects. A 2022 double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study examined the effects of CBN on sleep quality. Participants who received 20 mg of CBN nightly experienced reduced nighttime awakenings and overall sleep disturbance compared to those who received a placebo, with no impact on daytime fatigue. These findings suggest that CBN may help improve sleep continuity without affecting daytime alertness. However, it's important to note that this study had a small sample size, and more research is needed to confirm these effects.
The potential sleep-promoting properties of CBN are believed to be related to its interaction with cannabinoid receptors in the brain, specifically CB2 receptors. When CBN binds to these receptors, it is thought to increase levels of sleep-promoting chemicals and suppress the brain's arousal system, leading to feelings of sedation or sleepiness. However, it's worth mentioning that the alteration of CB1 receptors has been associated with adverse psychotropic effects, so understanding the neurobiological basis of cannabinoids in sleep is crucial.
While CBN is being explored as a potential sleep aid, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using it. Currently, there is limited research on the use of CBN for sleep, and as a result, there are no established guidelines for dosing. A doctor can help determine if CBN is appropriate for an individual's needs, taking into account their medical history and any potential risks or interactions. Additionally, sleep problems can sometimes be a symptom of underlying sleep disorders or health conditions, so seeking professional advice is recommended.
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THC and CBD for insomnia
Many people use cannabis to manage insomnia and other sleep disorders. The sleep-promoting effects of cannabinoids are believed to be due to their interactions with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they send messages to increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain’s arousal system, which may help cannabis users feel sedated or sleepy.
Cannabis contains several active compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC typically acts as a sedative, it can have a stimulating effect for some people, especially those new to cannabis or taking higher doses. In these cases, using cannabis before bed may result in a longer time falling asleep. CBD promotes alertness at lower doses and sleepiness at higher doses. Both CBD and THC may also have benefits for chronic conditions that interfere with sleep.
THC is a psychoactive drug that can induce sleepiness, relaxation, euphoria, or energy. THC can also cause dizziness, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, vomiting, confusion, loss of balance, or hallucinations. It may also cause anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia. THC decreases the amount of time spent in rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep, when dreams occur and emotions are processed. Reducing REM sleep may be beneficial for people with PTSD, as it can reduce nightmares, but it could also impair sleep quality if taken long-term. Synthetic forms of THC have shown potential in treating sleep apnea and improving sleep for people with chronic pain.
CBD may be a better option for those who do not like the feeling of being high. Research suggests that CBD may inhibit the release of cortisol, providing therapeutic relaxation for people with insomnia. A 2023 study found that CBD users reported significantly improved self-perceptions of general health, with many experiencing a decrease in anxiety and better sleep. Another 2024 review found that the short-term use of medium-high dosages of CBD may be beneficial for insomnia. However, further research is needed to determine the effects of CBD on sleep.
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Cannabis for PTSD-related nightmares
While many people use cannabis as a sleep aid, its efficacy as a treatment for sleep disorders is still being studied. However, there is some evidence that it can be effective in reducing nightmares in people with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Research suggests that cannabinoids can interfere with the initial acquisition and registration of a traumatic event, and suppress the stress, pain, and inflammation that can enhance the salience of these events. They can also interfere with the retrieval of episodic memories and promote the extinction of memories, which is why they are thought to be effective in treating replicative post-traumatic nightmares. These nightmares reflect the nightly cycle of episodic memory retrieval and the reconsolidation of the fearful event, as well as the failure to extinguish this fearful memory.
The Role of THC and CBD
Cannabis contains several active compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC typically acts as a sedative, it can have a stimulating effect on some people, especially those new to cannabis or taking higher doses. CBD appears to promote alertness at lower doses and sleepiness at higher doses.
A small 2022 study found that cannabis strains with higher levels of THC typically reduce the amount of REM sleep. Reducing REM sleep means reducing dreams, and for those with PTSD, it could mean reducing nightmares. However, REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning, and cannabis with higher THC levels could impair sleep quality if taken long-term.
CBD has shown promise in reducing nightmares in animal models, but research in humans has been limited to short-term effects. Medical cannabis products with higher CBD concentrations have been associated with fewer early awakenings.
Dronabinol
Oral dronabinol (BX-1) has been studied as a potential treatment for PTSD-related nightmares. In one study, eligible patients were randomised to receive either BX-1 or a placebo once daily before bedtime for 10 weeks. The daily dose ranged from 2.5 mg to 15 mg, with an increase of 2.5 mg every third or fourth day.
Timing and Dosage
It may take some experimentation to find the right timing and dosage for using cannabis as a sleep aid. Starting with a low dose can help gauge the body's response and make any necessary adjustments. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis as a sleep aid, as they can discuss the potential benefits and risks specific to an individual's medical history.
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Cannabis and REM sleep
Cannabis is often used as a sleep aid, and it may help people fall asleep faster and improve overall sleep quality. However, its impact on sleep is complex and varies depending on the type of cannabis and individual factors such as dosage and timing.
Cannabis contains several active compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis, and it typically acts as a sedative. However, it can have stimulating effects, especially for new cannabis users or those taking higher doses. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and promotes relaxation and mental clarity. It can be either stimulating or sedating, depending on the dose—lower doses tend to be stimulating, while higher doses induce sleepiness.
THC appears to play a significant role in altering sleep architecture and reducing REM sleep. REM sleep is a distinct stage of sleep characterised by rapid eye movements, dreaming, and the processing of emotions and memories. THC decreases the duration of REM sleep and increases deep, slow-wave sleep and the lighter stages of non-REM sleep. This reduction in REM sleep may be beneficial for people with PTSD, as it can reduce the frequency of nightmares, a common and disturbing symptom. However, REM sleep is important for healthy cognitive and immune functioning, and long-term use of cannabis with higher THC levels could impair sleep quality.
CBD has been shown to be effective in treating REM sleep behaviour disorder, a condition characterised by abnormal behaviours during sleep. It may also reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. Additionally, CBD can help facilitate sleep by relieving anxiety and pain. CBN, another cannabinoid, has powerful sedative effects, especially when combined with THC, and may be useful in treating sleep disorders.
While cannabis may have benefits for sleep, it is important to consider potential risks and side effects. Healthcare professionals generally discourage the long-term use of any sleep aid, including cannabis. Smoking and vaping cannabis can be hazardous to the lungs, and THC-infused drinks, edibles, or sublingual options are considered safer methods of consumption. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis as a sleep aid to discuss potential benefits and risks based on individual medical history.
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Cannabis for sleep apnea
Cannabis is often associated with feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. It is believed that the sleep-promoting effects of cannabinoids are due to their interactions with cannabinoid receptors in the brain. When cannabinoids bind to these receptors, they send messages to increase levels of sleep-promoting adenosine and suppress the brain’s arousal system.
Cannabis contains several active compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC is the major psychoactive compound in cannabis, providing the "high", it also has sedative properties. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has both alerting and relaxing capabilities, depending on the concentration. At higher doses, CBD can aid sleep, primarily through relaxation and relief from anxiety.
Research suggests that cannabis may be useful in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). A synthetic version of cannabis has been found to help the brain exert better control of the airway muscles during sleep, reducing the shallow and interrupted breathing associated with sleep apnea. Early animal studies found that the synthetic cannabinoid agonist dronabinol improved respiratory stability, leading to human studies that assessed its effectiveness in treating OSA. However, dronabinol has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of sleep apnea, and its long-term tolerability and safety are still unknown.
Despite the potential benefits, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) currently recommends against using medical cannabis for sleep apnea due to unreliable delivery methods and insufficient evidence of effectiveness, tolerability, and safety. Side effects related to treatment were reported in most patients, and somnolence was reported in 29-50% of patients. Further research is needed to understand the functionality and long-term effects of medical cannabis and its synthetic extracts on OSA treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Cannabinol (CBN) is a cannabinoid that is being introduced by companies as a potential sleep aid. CBN is formed as the cannabis plant ages and another cannabinoid, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), begins to break down. CBN is considered minimally psychoactive.
CBN has been shown to bring on drowsiness and help people fall asleep quicker and stay asleep through the night. However, there is limited scientific evidence in favour of using CBN for sleep, which comes mostly from small studies conducted in the 1970s and 1980s.
THC and CBD are the two most well-known cannabinoids that can help with sleep. While THC typically acts as a sedative, it can have a stimulating effect for some people, especially those who are new to using cannabis or taking higher doses. CBD appears to promote alertness at lower doses and sleepiness at higher doses.
Indica-dominant strains are usually the best choice for treating insomnia as they mostly induce a sleepy feeling that helps you drift off to sleep and stay asleep. Strains with a small-to-moderate amount of THC and a small amount of CBD could be helpful if you’re new to cannabis.
